Lisa Hurley, CEcD, is the Executive Director of York County Development Corporation (YCDC) and a nationally recognized leader in rural economic development. Since joining YCDC in 2013, she has led strategies focused on business growth, workforce development, housing expansion, and site readiness—positioning York County to compete for investment and talent at the state and national level. With nearly two decades of experience in the economic development field, Lisa brings both professional depth and long-term community commitment to her work.
Under Lisa’s leadership, YCDC has helped secure more than $620 million in business investment, raised over $2 million for a local housing revolving loan fund, and advanced initiatives supporting talent attraction, childcare, entrepreneurship, and small business growth. Her work centers on strengthening the full economic ecosystem—supporting existing employers, preparing sites for development, and aligning education, infrastructure, and workforce pipelines with industry needs.
Lisa is known for building strong public-private partnerships and translating community priorities into actionable economic strategies. She has led the modernization of YCDC’s operations, integrating data-driven tools and streamlined processes that improve responsiveness to businesses, developers, and site selectors. This includes expanding access to localized market intelligence through tools like SizeUp|York County and advancing development opportunities such as the community’s new industrial park.
Her leadership extends well beyond York County. Lisa is a Past President of the National Rural Economic Developers Association and serves in leadership roles with the Nebraska Economic Developers Association and the Southeast Nebraska Economic Development District. Through these roles, she helps elevate rural perspectives in state and national conversations around workforce, housing, infrastructure, and economic competitiveness.
Lisa’s work is grounded in a simple belief: rural communities must be active participants in shaping their economic future. By connecting local assets with regional and national opportunities, she continues to position York County as a place where businesses can grow, communities can thrive, and partnerships drive long-term impact.